Northern Territory Shadow Minister for Indigenous Policy Adam Giles

VATSKALIS SHOULD APOLOGISE

Victor P Taffa

The head of the External Monitoring and Reporting Committee’s half-hearted apology for comparing Aboriginal people with cave men falls well short of removing the stain these insulting comments have left.

In the report, the committee compares Indigenous people with Neolithic British and Iron Age Italians – in the process condemning Aboriginal Australians to the status of cave dwellers.

“Trying to justify domestic violence by linking the genealogy of Aboriginal men to the Neolithic British and Iron Age Italians is a disgrace.” Shadow Minister for indigenous Policy Adam Giles said.

“The apology issued by the committee today is too little, too late.”

“There simply is no apology for what was contained in the report, but while I acknowledge Professor Vimpani has at least made an effort, the same can’t be said for Minister Kon Vatskalis, who has defended and supported the comments.” Mr. Giles said.

“As the person who appointed the committee and tabled the report, Minister Vatskalis should now declare if he supports the justification that Indigenous domestic violence is as a result of links to the Neanderthal era.”

“By tabling this report, the Minister has brought untold shame to Aboriginal people and in light of Professor Vimpani’s apology, the Minister should withdraw the report and he should also say sorry.” Mr. Giles said.

Northern Territory Opposition Leader Terry Mills

GILLARD’S PUPPY

Victor P Taffa

The Country Liberals have used Parliament to censure the Henderson Labor for its flaccid, ineffectual response to the Federal Government’s blanket ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia.

Opposition Leader, Terry Mills, said Chief Minister Paul Henderson’s meek response to Federal Labor has validated the Commonwealth’s appalling decision to ban live exports to our near neighbour.

“The Country Liberals demonstrated bi-partisan support in the wake of the blanket ban to send a very strong signal to the Territory community that Federal Labor’s intervention was unacceptable.” Mr. Mills said.

“The behaviour of the Territory Government since that time has been anything but bi-partisan.”

“Since the ban was announced in June, the Chief Minister has ranted and raved at Independent senators Nick Xenophon and Andrew Wilkie, pointed the finger at the Meat and Livestock Association and flayed a Senate Committee charged with investigating the live cattle trade.”

“It’s noticeable, though, the Chief Minister has made no criticism of Federal Labor, the architects of the ban.” Mr. Mills said.

“Territorians will never forget the image of the Chief Minister, standing behind the Prime Minister, nodding compliantly like a little puppy dog while Julia Gillard addressed the media after announcing details of the ban.”

He has been silent about the inept performance of the Federal Agriculture Minister, Senator Joe Ludwig, for his mishandling of the animal cruelty allegations.

“He has been silent about the inept performance of the Federal Agriculture Minister, Senator Joe Ludwig, who dramatically bungled the Government’s handling of animal cruelty allegations.” Mr. Mills said.

“The Chief Minister has used the cloak of bi-partisanship as a shield to avoid conflict with the Federal Labor Government, instead of attacking the source of the ban to fast-track its removal.”

Under questioning in Parliament today, the Chief Minister admitted the ban could cost the Territory economy up to $200 Million a year – while also saying today’s first shipment of cattle since the ban was lifted was the start of a very long process.

“In other words, as a result of Federal Labor ‘s intransigence and incompetence, the Territory economy could be stripped of up to $1 Billion over the next five years as a result of a knee-jerk reaction by the Labor Government.”

“What’s more, the ban has done immeasurable damage to Australia’s relationship with Indonesia – a key friend and trading partner.” Mr. Mills said.

Northern Territory Opposition Leader Terry Mills

CALL FOR CADEL TO COME HOME

Victor P Taffa

Opposition Leader, Terry Mills, has invited Tour de France yellow jersey winner Cadel Evans to the Northern Territory to share the story of his history-making win in the world’s most famous bike race.

“Cadel Evans is a product of the Northern Territory and he has done all of us proud.” Mr. Mills said.

“His win in the Tour de France is a high-point in a magnificent career that has spanned over 20 years.” Mr. Mills said.

“As most of us know, Cadel’s had his fair share of heartbreak as well as triumph, but winning the Tour de France places him amongst cycling’s elite.”

“I will write to Cadel requesting that he pops into the Territory next time he’s in Australia to talk about the dedication and commitment that helped his rise to the pinnacle of world cycling.” Mr. Mills said.

“It would be great for him to return to the Katherine region where he spent his early years and to tour other Territory centres.”

“I’m sure the Chief Minister will join me in doing everything possible to get Cadel to the Territory to share his amazing story.” Mr. Mills said.

Northern Territory Shadow Minister for Tourism Willem Westra van Holthe

Willem Westra van Holthe Katherine MLA

RIDE WELL, CADEL

Victor P Taffa

Member for Katherine, Willem Westra van Holthe, says his thoughts are with Australian cyclist Cadel Evans as he prepares for tonight’s individual time trial at the Tour de France.

Mr. Westra van Holthe said the event should determine whether Cadel takes out the Tour this year.

“Regardless of the outcome of the time trial, Cadel Evans has shown over many years why he is one of the world’s best cyclists and a fantastic Australian athlete.” Mr. Westra van Holthe said.

“It would be fitting, given his enormous amount of work and sacrifice over many years, that Cadel Evans achieves his dream and wins the Tour de France.”

“He is better placed than at any other time during his cycling career to win and I sincerely hope he is successful.” Mr. Westra van Holthe said.

“The Cadel Evans story is a reminder that anything is possible, regardless of whether you are born in one of the big cities or a small town like Katherine.”

“Cadel spent his early years in the town and it’s fantastic to see him doing so well in one of the toughest events on the sporting calendar.”

“I’m sure all of Katherine and the Northern Territory are right behind Cadel as he seeks to make history. We wish him well.” Mr. Westra van Holthe said.

Northern Territory Shadow Attorney-General John Elferink

John Elferink Port Darwin MLA

FISHERMAN’S WHARF NO FISHERMAN’S FRIEND

Victor P Taffa

Fisherman’s Wharf is so badly neglected that the capacity of local businesses to operate at maximum capacity is now being seriously compromised.

“There is evidence of structural decay with concrete crumbling away from metal re-enforcements.” Member for Port Darwin, John Elferink said.

“Hand rails are loose and in some instances sections of handrail have broken away from the wharf’s steps.”

“A handrail has rusted away and is missing completely and electrical cables are hanging in the water.” Mr. Elferink said.

“I have spoken to workers at the wharf and businesses that operate from the wharf who are concerned the area has become unsafe.”

“One businessman told me that a company whose staff he is contracted to ferry across the harbour will not allow their employees to alight at Fisherman’s Wharf for safety reasons.” Mr. Elferink said.

“A decade of Labor equals a decade of decay. The Government has let our harbour infrastructure in decay through neglect, and this is another example.”

“A wharf should be maintained as a road is maintained, so business operators can do their job.”

“The neglect at Fisherman’s Wharf should be a source of embarrassment to the Government.” Mr. Elferink said.

Northern Territory Opposition Leader Terry Mills

WORKING FOR TERRITORY JOBS

Victor P Taffa

Opposition Leader, Terry Mills, will travel to Perth tomorrow morning to meet with representatives from the joint venture company expected to build the INPEX Ichthys LNG plant in Darwin.

Construction giant Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR) is gearing up for the massive project and has already advertised for workers in Saturday’s newspaper.

“I am looking forward to meeting with representatives from the construction giant to push the Territory’s case for local jobs and opportunities.” Mr. Mills said.

“I will get a rundown on the employment needs and business opportunities that will be created during the construction phase.”

“I will also meet key contractors who are keen to hit the ground running.”

“INPEX is expected to make a final investment decision on the plant later this year, so it’s important I meet with the joint venture partners and identify opportunities for Territory businesses and workers.” Mr. Mills said.

“KBR is in the early stages of assessing its fly-in, fly-out workforce, so I will be able to get a clear picture of how the project will work and how the Territory can best capitalise on the construction phase.”

“While in Perth I will also take the opportunity for further meetings with officials from INPEX for an update on the project.” Mr. Mills said.

“The LNG development has the potential to provide a foundation on which to build the Territory’s economy for many years to come.”

“The time to act is now and I’ll be working hard to bring home as many jobs and opportunities as I can for Territory families and business.” Mr. Mills said.

Northern Territory Opposition Leader Terry Mills

GIVE ME A HOME

Victor P Taffa

Despite a slowdown in the housing sector and negative net interstate migration, Darwin continues to have the highest capital city rents in the country.

Opposition Leader and Shadow Housing Minister, Terry Mills, said Darwin’s median house rental is $520 a week.

This eclipses the median national rent of $360 a week and median capital city rent of $380 a week.

“The median rent for a house has stayed the same for the past year and Darwin rents are still the highest in the country.” Mr. Mills said.

“Families and workers struggling to find a house to rent have to weigh up whether it’s worth staying in Darwin or more affordable to move interstate.”

“Unfortunately 150 Territorians a month are making that choice and are turning their backs on high rents and the high cost of living by choosing to live elsewhere.” Mr. Mills said.

“The Government’s failed land release program has contributed significantly to the cost of rents as well as record house prices, which are also freezing out families from entering the housing market.”

“The Henderson Government has failed workers and families who want to make the Territory their home.”

“And now the Chief Minister has thrown his support behind a carbon tax that will increase the price of electricity and make the Territory an even more expensive place to live.” Mr. Mills said.

Northern Territory Shadow Minister for Sport Ross Bohlin

TURFING OUT THE TRUTH

Victor P Taffa

The Sports Minister has finally given an accurate account of the cost to hire three helicopters and a super soaker in the failed attempt to save Marrara as the venue for this year’s Aboriginal All-Stars AFL game.

Shadow Sports Minister, Ross Bohlin, said Karl Hampton had been conservative in his costings at the time of the failed Marrara rescue attempt.

“Mr. Hampton originally said the cost was around $10,000.” Mr. Bohlin said.

“Tonight, under questioning during Estimates hearings, Mr. Hampton admitted the helicopters had cost $17,300 and just over $1200 to hire the super soaker.”

“Unfortunately it wasn’t possible to retrieve Marrara for the footy, nor is it possible for Karl Hampton to retrieve his credibility.” Mr. Bohlin said.

“He deliberately played down the cost of drying the ground to deflect criticism.”

“It was the Minister who signed the cheques to pay for the choppers and sopper and he should have shared with Territorians the true cost of the rescue mission.” Mr. Bohlin said.

 
Also tonight, the Minister revealed a ‘turf barber’ will be deployed in an attempt to salvage the Marrara playing surface – at a cost to taxpayers of $60,000.

Northern Territory Shadow Minister for Child Protection Robyn Lambley

OUT OF HIS DEPTH

Victor P Taffa

Child Protection Minister, Kon Vatskalis, is out of his depth and lacks the insight to properly manage the portfolio.

During today’s Estimates Committee hearings, Mr. Vatskalis was silent while the Departmental CEO claimed special ‘review teams’ flagged in the Care and Protection of Children Act had not yet commenced.

Shadow Child Protection Minister, Robyn Lambley, said Mr Vatskalis should have known the ‘review teams’ actually began operating in December 2008.

“It is no reflection on the CEO, who is relatively new to the position that Minister Vatskalis isn’t across his portfolio.” Ms. Lambley said.

“Estimates would have been a perfect opportunity for Kon Vatskalis to show the depth of his understanding in this crucial and troubled portfolio area. Instead, he showed his ignorance.”

“It’s likely up to 83 jobs could be lost in the area of child sexual abuse when the Federal intervention finishes next year, but he has no contingency in place if the Commonwealth funding dries up.” Ms. Lambley said.

“The Minister’s response is to target alcohol consumption.”

“There’s no strategy in place and no plan. He should be grateful the Commonwealth launched the intervention, but all he could do was criticise.”

Ms. Lambley was also critical of the small number of cases referred to Centrelink for welfare quarantining.

“Given the focus the Government has placed on income quarantining, it seems absurd only 56 cases around child protection income management had been referred to Centrelink.” Ms. Lambley said.

“Worse, among the reasons given for this lack of action, was that the issue of staff turnover and that ‘staff … trained some time ago were no longer in some offices where referrals were required to be made.”

“This statement was proof, if indeed it was needed, of how staffing issues have affected the capacity of the department to protect the interests of children.” Ms. Lambley said.

Northern Territory Shadow Minister for Health Matt Conlan

DON’T CAREFLIGHT

Victor P Taffa

The Health Minister needs to clarify whether an airline that walked away from the Territory with $1 Million in unpaid bills still has links with the aeromedical provider CareFlight.

Shadow Minister, Matt Conlan, said a subsidiary company of Australiasian Jet closed its doors in the Territory in September 2008 leaving debts in excess of $1.3 Million.

When CareFlight was appointed last year as the Territory’s interim aeromed provider, it was revealed they had formed an alliance with Australasian Jet to deliver the service.

At the time the Health Department refused to comment on the link, but a manager at Australasian Jet said the company would work with CareFlight to put together a bid for the 10 year contract.

“With the announcement yesterday that CareFlight has now been confirmed as the full time provider of the aeromed contract, Minister Vatskalis should respond to a number of outstanding questions including”:

• Whether Australasian Jet is involved in the CareFlight consortium?
• The extent, if any, of Australasian Jet’s involvement with CareFlight?
• The connections between Australasian Jet and the subsidiary company that left the Territory?
• Whether creditors were ever repaid the money they were owed by Australasian Jet?
• How much money, if any, is still owed to creditors?

“Mr. Vatskalis should also say whether it’s appropriate that any company that has left Territory businesses out of pocket should be able to do business with the Territory Government without recourse.”

Mr. Conlan said he is concerned that CareFlight’s retrieval record has been lacklustre at best during its nearly 12 months as interim aeromed provider.

“Serious concerns have been raised by medical experts about CareFlight’s capacity to deliver the aeromed service.” Mr. Conlan said.

“These concerns include the length of time for evacuations, issues with patient care, the number of planes available, staff turnover and efficiency.” Mr. Conlan said.